After twenty-one days in the boatyard, the crew of the Starship has made our escape back out to sea. Each haulout Don declares is his last, and that bottom paint should be considered a controlled substance. Living on Benadryl and rum for a month I guess will do that to you. Poor guy, the itching, hives, welts, and flies were a reminder as to why we try to only do this once every four years! But now we are back enjoying our life and beautiful boat and Don's skin has returned to normal. Alas we already have a ding in the newly painted rub rail, bad docking form, my fault!

I left Don sitting idly at anchor in Culebra, Puerto Rico recovering while our daughter Darci and I went home to California to visit family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. Someone had to stay with the dog! This is my first extended visit to the Golden state in four years, and while I love the tropical weather, California will always be my home. The beauty of Big Sir, the hustle/bustle of the San Fransisco Bay Area, the organic farmer's markets of Berkley, and the soothing pace and view of the Santa Cruz beaches and mountains all made for a visual feast as well as the joy of seeing family and old friends. Thank you to all my family and friends who made Darci's and my stay so wonderful and blessed.

Now I am back on the boat and our direction is east, but the tradewinds have piped up again so we will enjoy St.Thomas and St. John with our friend Dave, and wait.

Happy Holidays, and come spend Christmas in the Caribbean!